Alicante Airport
Alicante–Elche Airport, formerly known as 'El Altet', is the fifth busiest airport in Spain based on passenger numbers. The airport first opened on 4th May 1967 and is located on the Costa Blanca in the Spanish Autonomous Community of Valencia in Elche. It is approximately 9 kilometres southwest of Alicante.
In recent years, the airport has become an important hub for European low-cost airlines and has expanded considerably to cope with new demand. In 2016, the airport set a new record for passenger numbers of almost 12,350,000. This beat its previous record of 10,574,484 set in 2015. These passenger numbers make it one the 50 busiest airports in Europe.
To cope with the increased demand, a new passenger terminal opened in 2011. The name of the terminal is 'Terminal NAT' (NAT stands for 'Nueva Área Terminal' in Spanish) and it is capable of serving up to 20 million of passengers per year. Terminal T1 and T2 closed after all flight operations moved to Terminal NAT, however, if air traffic increases, Terminal T1 and T2 can be re-opened.
Due to its location and high tourist interest, the majority of flights are international, with travellers coming from Holland, Norway, Germany and the UK, amongst others. The low-cost airlines of EasyJet and Ryanair operate the greatest number of flights, but there are around 40 airliners in total operating flights. Only 20 percent of flights are domestic, with flights to and from Madrid airport, Barcelona airport and Palma de Mallorca airport making up this number.
The airport serves many well know destinations like Benidorm, Calpe, Denia, Jávea, Torrevieja and Orihuela in the Alicante region. Due to its position close to the A7 motorway, it is also a popular choice for visitors to the Murcia region for the destinations of La Manga del Mar Menor, Murcia and Cartagena.
Like many Spanish airports, the operator of Alicante airport is Aena Aeropuertos S.A.
Parking at the Airport
2011 saw the construction of a new car park as part of a multi-million euro revamp. This car park has space for up to 6,200 vehicles, and it offers excellent facilities for short-term and long-term parking.
Finding the car park is very easy as it is clearly signposted from the main road. Visitors just need to follow the signs to ensure they get in the correct lane as they enter the airport, but if assistance is needed, the airport personnel that can assist you in the right direction.
You can find out more information on parking here. This page will show you which lane to take, where to leave your car and the price for short-term and long-term parking. If you are looking for long-term parking, you can also find information and prices for off-site parking providers.
Transportation
The airport has a great bus service. You will also find a train station in the city centre, so getting to and from the airport is easy. There are also ample taxis and private shuttles available.
- Bus - There are several local buses located on the upper level of the airport. These go to Elche (Line 1A & 1B), Alicante Centre (Line C6) and Arenales del Sol (Line 1B), with ticket prices starting at €1.50. If you want to go further afield, there are buses to Benidorm, Murcia and Calpe, amongst others. You can find out more about the routes and prices here.
- Train - The airport has no train station, however; you can take a train from the central station in Alicante. You can get to the station by taking the bus to Alicante Centre (Line C6), and then a train can take you all along the Costa Blanca. You can find out more information on train routes and prices here.
Facilities
The airport provides various services for passengers including (among others):
- Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities
- ATM's
- Duty Free
- Food and Beverages
- Free Wi-Fi
- Medical Assistance
- Meeting rooms
- A VIP Lounge
Lost and Found Office
A lost property office is located on the ground floor of terminal NAT, within the arrivals hall. If you have lost some of your luggage, you will need to fill out a form and provide your address. These forms are available in English, and staff are on hand to help you if needed.
In case all of your luggage goes missing, you can ask the airport for a survival package. This package is an emergency bag that has items to cover your basic needs. The lost and found office is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 14:30 pm (except holidays). You can contact them on (+34) 966 919 444 or email alc.objetosperdidos@aena.es.
Contact Address
El Altet - 03195
El Altet (Alacant).
Telephone: (+34) 91 321 10 00 / 902 404 704
Email: alcinfo@aena.es